795B.551/8–250: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 2—3:15 p. m.]
695. For the Secretary from Douglas. ReDeptel 561, August 1. We are all here disappointed at the interlude between now and the departure of British self-contained unit to Korea. I have already expressed our anxiety that they embark at earliest possible date and surprise at length of interlude.
The fact is, however unpleasant, that British do not have forces presently organized in the necessary infantry battalions, armored regiment, and other supporting troops, such as engineers and service of supply forces, to despatch on a mission of this sort. Because of this deplorable state of affairs it will necessarily take them some time to sift out the new selectees, those that have six to eight months training or more, and to rearrange the regulars that are now disbursed through every battalion, in order to assemble the self-contained unit which British are sending.
I am confident from conversation with responsible and high British military that British will make every effort to expedite the commencement of the movement and its completion.
The significant fact emerging from all this is the lamentable state of the ground forces in Britain.